Game of Craps

ABSTRACT

A method for a game played by at least one player and a pair of dice, which method may include the steps of providing a first area to provide a winning combination including at least three preselected numbers based upon a roll of the dice; rolling only once said pair of dice by said shooter, determining winners and losers based upon the single roll of the dice, and providing a 1-to-1 payout to the winners based upon the combination from the dice being at least one of the preselected numbers. A method for a game played by at least one player and a pair of dice, which method may include the steps of providing a second area and a third area to provide a winning combination including at least three preselected numbers based upon a roll of the dice; rolling only once said pair of dice by said shooter, determining winners and losers based upon the single roll of the dice, and providing a 2-to-1 payout to the winners based upon the combination from the dice being at least one of the preselected numbers.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method or process for playing a game that includes both dice and a playing board. In particular, the present invention is directed to a method for playing a modified and improved casino craps game.

BACKGROUND

The game of casino craps is a well-known, fast and exciting game which is played in a number of venues including casino gaming locales, such as Las Vegas.

The game may take slightly different permutations; however, the basic form and format is similar from game to game and from place to place.

In the traditional casino craps game, a substantially rectangular game table is utilized with a printed or other layout arrangement of boxes, spaces and other areas showing various types of wagers or bets which are permitted. The table traditionally is flat with a series of upstanding walls against which a pair of dice is rolled. Wagers or bets are made by placing chips, gaming cheques or sometimes cash on the appropriate areas of the layout.

Anywhere from one to twenty players or more may play the game at one time. The traditional casino craps game is played with two standard six-sided dice with each die numbered from one to six.

Different personnel may be utilized; however, a crew of four employees is standard. Typically, there will be a stickman whose responsibility is handling of the dice which may be performed with a flexible, hooked stick. When a new shooter or dice roller is beginning, the stickman will offer him or her a choice of five dice to choose from and then will return and retain the remaining three dice. The stickman is also responsible for the proposition, or center, bets to be described herein in detail. If the bets are winners, the stickman will direct the dealers to pay off the winning players, and if the bets are losers, the stickman will collect the lost proposition bets.

There is typically a dealer located on either side of a box man. The dealer's main responsibility is to handle all of the monetary betting transactions on the ends of the table. The dealer pays off winning bets and collects losing ones. Each standing dealer also typically has a mark or puck, a disk used to indicate the established point, to be described herein.

A box man sits between the pair of dealers across from the stickman and supervises the running of the table. The box man is also responsible for settling any disputes that may arise.

In traditional play of the casino craps game, the stickman will present five dice to a new player, then known as a shooter, who will select a pair of dice to use. In a new game, the player closest to the box man's left side will receive the dice first and rotation of the dice will go clockwise from player to player around the table.

The play starts when the shooter takes the dice and rolls them the length of the table. The first roll by the shooter is called the “come-out roll”, and the dice determine immediate winners and losers.

Players making Pass Line wagers, betting that the shooter will pass, or win, are hoping that the come-out roll is a 7 or an 11, an automatic winner. For Pass Line wagers, a 7 or an 11 is an automatic win. In most cases, the win is even money—so that a $5 wager returns $5 plus $5.

If the dice roll is a 2, 3, or 12, the Pass Line wagers are automatic losers. If the dice roll any of the remaining numbers, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10, this establishes a point. When a point is established, no one wins or loses on the first roll.

Conversely, players making “Don't Pass” wagers bet against the dice and are hoping for just the opposite. A 7 or an 11 thrown on the come-out roll is an automatic loser for Don't Pass wagers while the 2, 3, or 12 are automatic winners.

Once a point is established, there are only two numbers that matter to the Pass or Don't Pass bettors, the 7 and the point that has been established. If the 7 is thrown before the point repeats, then the Pass Line bettors lose and Don't Pass bettors win—usually even money. If the point repeats before the 7 is rolled, then the Pass Line bettors win and Don't Pass bettors lose (even money). In that case, play continues until a 7 or the point is made.

Once a point has been established on the Pass Line, bettors can place free odds behind the line as an optional, additional bet. That is, they can place an amount equal to, double, or higher behind their Pass Line wagers.

In addition, Free Odds wagers may be placed after a point is established equal to, double, or higher than the amount bet on the Pass Line.

There are a number of other areas for gaming or betting on the casino craps table. After the come-out roll, and after the shooter establishes a point, then it is possible to place an optional bet in the Come area or Don't Come area of the table layout. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, then the Come bet wins—usually even money. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, the Come bet loses. Conversely, if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, the Don't Come bet loses. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, the Don't Come bet wins. If the shooter rolls a point, the bet is placed by the dealer in a series of numbered boxes adjacent the Come box and the bet is said to travel. The player also has the choice to then take odds. If the next roll is the number, then the player wins. Come Bets stay on the table until that number is made or until there is a seven-out.

Place bets are an additional, separate, optional betting area which may be played after a point is established. Place bets are typically designated as small rectangles with all of the point numbers. A bet on one of the place numbers bets that the number will repeat before a 7 is thrown. Place bets may be made at any time after the come-out roll.

Field bets or wagers are also optional wagers that may be placed. Field bets are placed on spaces on the table and are one-roll bets, bets depending on the next roll of the dice. They are then paid off or lost immediately. Field bets consist of the following numbers: 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12. The number 2 is paid at odds of 2-to-1 and the number 12 is paid at odds of either 2-to-1 or 3-to-1. The numbers 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11 are paid at odds of 1-to-1. The field bet loses on numbers 5, 6, 7, and 8.

Proposition bets, also known as “prop” bets, are a multitude of optional wagers located in the center of the craps table layout. The proposition bets are divided into two types of bets—the hardways and the one-roll bets. Proposition bets are normally placed after the come-out roll unless otherwise specified. The hardway bets are on the exact combination of numbers from the dice. Hardway bets win if the selected dice are rolled before a 7 or the easy combination of that particular number is rolled. The one-roll bets include any 7, any craps, 3 or 11, 2 or 12, horn bet, C and E, hop bet, or world bet.

Additionally, while the standard casino craps game is well known, it would be beneficial to provide a modified game with variations thereto to stimulate interest. Accordingly, it is a further object and purpose of the present invention to provide a modified and improved casino craps game to stimulate interest therein.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,328,901 discloses a method for playing a game played by at least one player having both numbered playing cards and a pair of dice. The method for the game includes randomizing at least six of the playing cards, wherein each card contains a single digit from one to six. The playing cards are then inserted into a series of boxes or slots on a table wherein the boxes or slots correspond to the digits one through six. One player is offered an opportunity to be a shooter and is provided with a pair of six-sided dice. The dice are rolled by the shooter and the outcome of the playing card or cards is determined and the total of the cards is determined by the outcome of the dice. Winners and losers are determined from the card or the cards. A series of additional steps may be employed thereafter in accordance with traditional casino craps gaming rules.

SUMMARY

A method for a game played by at least one player and a pair of dice, which method may include the steps of providing a first area to provide any winning outcome of a 16-roll combination including at least three preselected numbers based upon a roll of the dice; rolling only once said pair of dice by said shooter, determining winners and losers based upon the single roll of the dice, and providing a 1-to-1 payout to the winners based upon the combination from the dice being at least one of the preselected numbers.

At least one of the preselected numbers may be a 6, and at least one of the preselected numbers may be an 8.

The payout may be 1-to-1 if the winning combination is a 6, and the payout is 2-to-1 if the winning combination is a 2.

The payout may be 1-to-1 if the winning combination is an 8, and the payout is either 2-to-1 or 3-to-1 if the winning combination is a 12.

The method may include the step of providing a second area having an 11 combination outcome, a 2-to-1 payout and the three preselected numbers that may include a 3, 5, and 6.

The method may include the step of providing a third area having an 11-combination outcome with a 2-to-1 payout and the three preselected numbers that may include an 8, 9 and 11.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which, like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a game table of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings in detail, FIG. 1 illustrates a diagrammatic view of a game table 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention for playing the method of the game claimed herein.

The gaming table 10 includes a printed or other layout arrangement of boxes, spaces and other areas showing places for various types of wagers or bets which are permitted during the game. The table is traditionally flat with a series of upstanding walls (not shown). Wagers or bets are made by placing chips or game cheques on the appropriate areas of the layout. Players stand around the edge of the gaming table and anywhere from one to twenty or more players may play at one time. Two standard six-sided cubic dice are utilized with each die numbered from one to six. A roll of the dice, therefore, results in the numbers from 2-to-12.

Either before or thereafter, one player in the game will be offered an opportunity to be a shooter and thereby be provided with a pair of dice.

Before each roll of the dice, the game may be established so that an ante or wager must be entered by each player. For example, a $1.00 ante may be required per round. Before each roll of the dice, bettors are permitted to place bets or wagers on the table in the desired locations.

Once the shooter has been provided and selected a pair of dice and the wagering has been completed, the shooter is permitted to roll the dice on the top of the table so that they strike against one of the upstanding walls and come to rest.

The play starts when the shooter takes the dice and rolls them the length of the table. The first roll by the shooter is called the “come-out roll”, and the dice determine immediate winners and losers.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first area 101 which may be located in an area known as the “Field” section on the game table 10, and the first area 101 may also contain both the number 6 and the number 8 to identify winning bets when the sum of the dice (winning combination) is either 6 or 8. The payout may be 1-to-1. Additional winning numbers could be combined with the 6 and 8 to provide an additional 6 potential winning combinations, presenting 16 combinations. These 16 combinations could be presented as an additional first area 101 in the field area of the game table 10. Each of the combinations in the first area 101 would have a 6 and an 8 as a winning combination. For example, the numbers 2, 5, 6, 8, and 12 or the numbers 2, 3, 6, 8, 11, and 12 could be grouped together allowing the bettor to wager on all numbers in the section with a single roll outcome. If the winning combination is a 2, a 2-to-1 payout is provided to the winner. If the winning combination is a 12, the house has the option of providing either a 2-to-1 payout or a 3-to-1 payout. The other numbers are paid only a 1-to-1 payout for winning combinations to the winners. By including this additional 16-roll outcome betting first area 101, the house gains a 5.5556% advantage when paying 2-to-1 odds on a winning 2 or 12 combination and even money on all other winning combinations and a 2.7778% advantage when paying 2-to-1 on a winning 2 combination, 3-to-1 odds on a winning 12 combination, and even money on all other winning combinations presented in the first area 101.

In addition to the first area 101, the gaming board 10 may include a second area 103 and a third area 105 to provide a winning combination for the players to employ. The second area 103 and the third area 105 may include any variation of 11 combinations, and each would pay 2-to-1 (or double) for a winning combination on the single roll of the dice. For example, the second area 103 may include three preselected numbers with a 2-to-1 payout and could include the numbers 3, 5, and 6 as a winning combination, while the third area 105 could include the numbers 8, 9, and 11 as a winning combination. The second area 103 and the third area 105 provide a winning combination based upon a collection of grouped numbers with a single roll of the dice. The winning combination from the second area 103 and the third area 105 provides a payout of 2-to-1 on a single roll outcome. By adding both of these additional betting options, the house gains an 8.3333% advantage on each of the 11-roll combination bets.

TABLE 1 Enhanced Casino Craps Payouts (12 pays 2-to-1 for Traditional and New “Field” Bet and 2-to-1 on all winning 11-roll combinations) 16-roll 16-roll 11-roll 11-roll combination combi- combi- combi- Rolls/ (Traditional nation nation nation Total 36 Field) (New Field) (Left Side) (Right Side) 2 1 2 2 −1 −1 3 2 1 −1 2 −1 4 3 1 −1 −1 −1 5 4 −1 1 2 −1 6 5 −1 1 2 −1 7 6 −1 −1 −1 −1 8 5 −1 1 −1 2 9 4 1 −1 −1 2 10 3 1 −1 −1 −1 11 2 1 −1 −1 2 12 1 2 2 −1 −1 36 roll −2 −2 −3 −3 winnings Average −0.055556 −0.55556 −0.083333 0.083333 winnings House 5.5556% 5.5556% 8.3333% 8.3333% edge

TABLE 2 Enhanced Casino Craps Payouts (12 pays 3-to-1 for Traditional and New “Field” Bet and 2-to-1 on all winning 11-roll combinations) 16-roll 16-roll 11-roll 11-roll combination combi- combi- combi- Rolls/ (Traditional nation nation nation Total 36 Field) (New Field) (Left Side) (Right Side) 2 1 2 2 −1 −1 3 2 1 −1 2 −1 4 3 1 −1 −1 −1 5 4 −1 1 2 −1 6 5 −1 1 2 −1 7 6 −1 −1 −1 −1 8 5 −1 1 −1 2 9 4 1 −1 −1 2 10 3 1 −1 −1 −1 11 2 1 −1 −1 2 12 1 3 3 −1 −1 36 roll −1 −1 −3 −3 winnings Average −0.027778 −0.027778 −0.083333 0.083333 winnings House 2.7778% 2.7778% 8.3333% 8.3333% edge

Players making Pass Line wagers, betting that the shooter will pass, or win, are hoping that the come-out roll is a 7 or an 11, an automatic winner. For Pass Line wagers, a 7 or an 11 is an automatic win. In most cases, the win is even money—so that a $5 wager returns $5 plus $5.

If the dice roll 2, 3, or 12, the Pass Line wagers are automatic losers. If the dice roll any of the remaining numbers, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10, this establishes a point. When a point is established, no one wins or losers the first roll.

Conversely, players making “Don't Pass” wagers bet against the dice and are hoping for just the opposite. A 7 or an 11 thrown on the come-out roll is an automatic loser for Don't Pass wagers while the 2, 3, or 12 are automatic winners.

Once a point is established, there are only two numbers that matter to the Pass or Don't Pass bettors, the 7 and the point that has been established. If the 7 is thrown before the point repeats, then the Pass Line bettors lose and Don't Pass bettors win—usually even money. If the point repeats before the 7 is rolled, then the Pass Line bettors win and Don't Pass bettors lose (even money). In that case, play continues until a 7 or the point is made.

Once a point has been established on the Pass Line, bettors can place free odds behind the line as an optional, additional bet. That is, they can place an amount equal to, double, or higher behind their Pass Line wagers.

In addition, Free Odds wagers may be placed after a point is established equal to, double, or higher than the amount bet on the Pass Line.

There are a number of other areas for wagering or betting on the casino craps table. After the come-out roll, and after the shooter establishes a point, then it is possible to place an optional bet in the Come area or Don't Come area of the table layout. If the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, then the Come bet wins—usually even money. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, the Come bet loses. Conversely, if the shooter rolls a 7 or 11, the Don't Come bet loses. If the shooter rolls a 2, 3, or 12, the Don't Come bet wins. If the shooter rolls a point, the bet is placed by the dealer in a series of numbered boxes adjacent the Come box and the bet is said to travel. The player also has the choice to then take odds. If the next roll is the number, then the player wins. Come bets stay on the table until that number is made or until there is a seven-out.

Place bets are an additional, separate, optional betting area which may be played after a point is established. Place bets are typically designated as small rectangles with all of the point numbers. A bet on one of the place numbers bets that the number will repeat before a 7 is thrown. Place bets may be made at any time after the come-out roll.

Field bets or wagers are also optional wagers that may be placed. Field bets are placed on spaces on the table and are one-roll bets, depending on the next roll of the dice. They are then paid off or lost immediately. Field bets consist of the following numbers: 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, and 12. The number 2 is paid at odds of 2-to-1 and the number 12 is paid at either odds of 2-to-1 or 3-to-1. The numbers 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11 are paid at odds of 1-to-1. The field bet loses on numbers 5, 6, 7, and 8.

Proposition bets, also known as “prop” bets, are a multitude of optional wagers located in the center of the craps table layout. The proposition bets are divided into two types of bets—the hardways and the one-roll bets. Proposition bets are normally placed after the come-out roll unless otherwise specified. The hardways bets are on the exact combination of numbers from the dice. Hardway bets win if the selected dice are rolled before a 7 or the easy combination of that particular number is rolled. The one-roll bets include any 7, any craps, 3 or 11, 2 or 12, horn bet, C and E, hop bet, or world bet.

Additionally, while the standard casino craps game is well known, it would be beneficial to provide a modified game with variations thereto to stimulate interest. Accordingly, it is a further object and purpose of the present invention to provide a modified and improved casino craps game to stimulate interest therein.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. 

1) A method for a game played by at least one player and a pair of dice, comprising the steps of: providing a first area to provide a winning combination including at least three preselected numbers based upon a roll of the dice; rolling only once said pair of dice by said shooter; determining winners and losers based upon the single roll of the dice; providing a 1-to-1 payout to the winners based upon the combination from the dice being at least one of the preselected numbers. 2) A method for a game played by at least one player and a pair of dice as in claim 1, wherein at least one of the preselected numbers is a
 6. 3) A method for a game played by at least one player and a pair of dice as in claim 2, wherein at least one of the preselected numbers is an
 8. 4) A method for a game played by at least one player and a pair of dice as in claim 1, wherein the payout is 1-to-1 if the winning combination is a
 6. 5) A method for a game played by at least one player and a pair of dice as in claim 1, wherein the payout is 1-to-1 if the winning combination is an
 8. 6) A method for a game played by at least one player and a pair of dice as in claim 1, wherein the method includes the step of providing a second area having an 11 combination outcome, a 2-to-1 payout and the three preselected numbers include a 3, 5, and
 6. 7) A method for a game played by at least one player and a pair of dice as in claim 1, wherein the three preselected numbers include 3, 5 and
 6. 8) A method for a game played by at least one player and a pair of dice as in claim 1, wherein the method includes the step of providing a third area having an 11-combination outcome with a 2-to-1 payout and the three preselected numbers include 8, 9 and
 11. 9) A method for a game played by at least one player and a pair of dice as in claim 1, wherein the three preselected numbers include 8, 9 and
 11. 